Ill wind blows

Jane Ladd and Meilane Carr began the week with an unexpected surprise. At 5:15 a.m. Monday, Ladd awoke to the sound of a tree collapsing on the roof of her minivan parked in the driveway of her Pointe Claire home.

Hydro Quebec was contacted at once but arrived after Ladd spent an hour on hold. The cable line touched by branches in front of the Lansdowne Gardens residence was secured; however, the remainder of the tree was left on the car.

“They basically told us ‘the rest is up to you’ and to try calling security.” said Ladd.

It was the Pointe Claire Volunteer Rescue Unit who had to care of the Hydro Quebec’s leftovers. They arrived at approximately 7:45 am and immediately blocked the street for the safe passage of neighbourhood children. According to Carr the street is home to over 40 school kids.

“This is good service,” said Carr. “They were very quick to respond and make sure everything is safe.”

By 10:45 am the Rescue Unit finished chopping down the tree from the car. The vehicle was not severely damaged, only its transport container.

“The most important thing is no one got hurt,” said Ladd. “Only material things were damaged which can be replaced.”